BMC announces strict norms for Chhath Puja celebrations in Mumbai

Chhath Puja is one of the biggest and most important festivals celebrated by the people from Northern parts of India. This year, the same will be celebrated on November 10, 2021, and several migrants in Mumbai conduct the festivities in a grand manner. The celebrations for Chhath Puja 2021 will begin with Nahay Khay on Monday, November 8, 2021, and will continue for  three days. People celebrate the festival by mainly worshiping the Sun.

During the celebrations in Mumbai, people are often seen gathering at Juhu Chowpatty, Girgaum Chowpatty, Aksa Beach, Powai and other waterfronts of Mumbai. However, keeping the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in mind, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued guidelines and conditions which will have to be followed strictly by the people.

BJP leaders Bhal Chandra Shirsat and Vinod Mishra had demanded from the BMC to allow Chhath Puja celebrations, post  which BMC permitted the same, but with certain conditions and rules. Below mentioned are the norms implemented for the celebrations in Mumbai

• Citizens will have to strictly following social distaning
• Mass gatherings for Chhath Puja will be avoided
• Gathering of crowds during worship will be prohibited
• Devotees will allowed only for worship and not for any other programs or activities

• Crowd near artificial ponds is prohibited
• Social organizations at all wards in Mumbai have been encouraged to make artificial ponds and citizens are encouraged to use the same
• Spraying will have to be performed to clean the place of worship
• Thermal screening of citizens should be arranged by the association
• Only 50 percent of the total capacity (in open) should be occupied during the worship and no more than 200 people can attend the same
• Only 50 percent i.e. only 100 people can gather together in a closed arrangement or facility
• Medical teams will have to be present for emergency services
• Facilities to conduct RTPCR test of devotees should  also be arranged
• Noise pollution will not be allowed
• Failure to following any rules will lead to police intervention and strict action will be taken